What Is It About Visiting Forts?

1. Setting In, Setting Out

Hello, Wattpad Community! I've got a new story for you, this time focusing on the anime,  Akagami no Shirayuki-hime, or as I prefer the English version, Snow White with the Red Hair. Not completely focusing on romance, but the main ship is Zen/Shirayuki, with a little bit of one-sided Obi/Shirayuki, maybe a side bit of Mitsuhide/Kiki, we'll see. Anywho, if you've never seen the show, I really recommend it! And if you have then I hope you enjoy this fic! 'Tis actually a roleplay I wrote with a friend whose name is Liz, also known on here as, Redart_Fanatic so half credit goes to her! (No TWs for this chapter.)

Shirayuki hummed lightly to herself, quiet and sweet to a tune she couldn't remember. An array of herbs were set out in front of her, everything from agrimony to valerian root. There were powdered herbs, fresh herbs, soaking herbs, and dried herbs

Shirayuki set her hands on her hips and nodded. "I think this is everything we could possibly need." She said to Ryuu, who was standing beside her.

"Need for what?" Obi asked, looking in on them from the window, a sly smile on his face as they both startled.

Ryuu had been helping her get all the herbs ready for their trip. The smell from all the herbs themselves were amazing. And there was more than enough, a big variety for any kind of remedy they may need at some point.

Ryuu nodded and small smile curled on his lips. "I think so too, Shirayuki." He replied to her looking over everything.

They both jumped slightly as they heard Obi. "Oh hello, Obi. The prince didn't tell you?" Ryuu asked him, looking up from the table.

Obi just blinked at him. "Um, I guess not? Of course, I haven't seen Master yet today, he's been in a meeting with his royal highness Izana."

Shirayuki smiled at him. "Oh yes, I remember Zen saying something about that. He wasn't too happy, since he wants to leave as soon as possible. We're going on another trip to visit a Northern Fort up in the mountains and Ryuu and I are packing any medicinal herbs we need. Though, I think we actually have too many." She said, looking down at the plethora of bottles and packets and sacks.

Ryuu nodded. "You can never be too prepared Shirayuki. And since it's all snowy in the mountains there won't be many herbs up there. Though... we could get rid of some the herbs that we have a lot of." He suggested, looking through everything and picking a few bottles up off the table.

"It does seem like the Prince Zen isn't very fond of having meetings with his older brother." Ryuu added.

Shirayuki nodded and helped Ryuu take away a few more herbs, taking out some that were for pregnancy, back pain, and insomnia. "We shouldn't need these ones." She said, putting them aside.

Obi watched, eyes tracking them as they went back and forth, dwindling the assortment down to a much more reasonable size. "Yeah, those two don't get along too well. Though, with what happened after the last visit to a fort I can understand why Master wasn't too happy about meeting Prince Izana."

"Yes. I felt bad for Prince Zen." Ryuu said, putting a bottle back to its designated place. "Hopefully it doesn't happen again." He added.

They kept looking through herbs they may not need and soon Zen walked in and planted himself in a chair near the table, holding his head in his hands. "Why must he be so difficult..." Zen mumbled under his breath.

Shirayuki and the others looked up as Zen came in, Shirayuki's eyes softening as he sat down. She glanced over at the chief's desk where they had a pot of tea on and quickly poured Zen some roka tea.

She set the cup down in front of him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "At least he's not coming with us, Zen. I'm sure he was just reassuring himself after what happened last time."